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EUSEBIUS HERSHEY, 

OF REBERSBURG, PA. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

CRAIG, FINLEY & CO. 

Letter-Press and Lithographic Printers, 

No. 1 020 Arch Street. 

1877- 



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A WORK for God in poetry ! 
The Author's name inside you'll see ; 
The seals are broken, read it through — 
I>et prejudice not hinder you. 

Whether a saint or sinner yet, 
This book will speak when he is dead : 
May precious souls be snatched from hell, 
And 1 with such in glory dwell. 



INTRODUCTION 



God gave to us a holy book, 
My eyes in it did often look ; 
A little stream from it may run 
To honor Him, the Triune One. 

God's book is the best book of all, 
It shows to man how deep his fall, 
And tells him how to rise again, 
By living faith in Jesus' name. 

When I was young God's book I read; 
I learned that I in sin was dead: 
To thousands, now I wish to say. 
How I found Christ, the Living Way. 

A little book may come in print, 
Eeaders may find therein plain hint; 
To saints and sinners speaking straight, 
Of a narrow way with the straight gate. 

My Introduction shows above, 
God and His book I first must love. 
My name and birth-day I will give, 
My parents' names, where we did live. 

I'll rhyme it all, from first to last. 
The present, future, present and the past 
God's help I need. He is my guide. 
In His firm promise I'll confide. 



INTRODUCTION. 

My parents' names without fancy, 
Hershey, Abraham and Nancy; 
God to them nine children gave, 
Two, Uke them, found each a grave. 

jMy birth-day came, as aU may see, 
In eighteen hundred and twenty-three ; 
August, on the fourteenth day : 
Since, mihions died and passed away. 

The pUice where we for years did Hve, 
I'll to the reader plainly give: 
Lancaster County, and Pa., 
Three miles of Manheim, north, I say. 

While I now on my knees do write. 
That once dear home is out of sight: 
By faith I see that heavenly home. 
Where death and sorrow ne'er can come. 

I'm now in my fifty-fourth year. 
This year, in print, it may appear. 
The book that I for Goi shall give, 
If I in health some months shall live. 

With opposition I may meet. 

If so, that makes the bitter sweet. 

If I am led by God's strong hand, 

This book may reach some distant land. 

My Introduction may seem queer, 
When it to thousands doth appear: 
Let prejudice not hinder you. 
Read all the rhymes, till you are through, 



INTRODUCTION. 5 

And when God's spirit seals the truth, 
Whether old in years, middle-aged or youtli, 
Then treasure up the good you'll find, 
Love God, the Maker of mankind. 

My given name the book will tell, 
If some can't read it, try and spell ; 
It stands in rhymes, as you may see : 
Wlien you read it, remember me. 

I speak to kings and princes too, 
To high and low, what each should do 
To honor Him, who reigns on high; 
All mortals soon in dust must lie. 

All who love here the King of kings. 
Willing despise all trifling things ; 
All such shall live with Christ on high, 
Where the redeemed shall never die. 

For this the Saviour bled and died. 
So shamefully was crucified ; 
Now, " It is finished," Christ did say, 
"He is the Life, the Truth, the Way." 

Let all the world before God bow, 
Accept in Christ salvation now, * 

And glorify Him while below, 
Then such maj- safe to heaven go. 

In heaven such will not sorry be, 
Who often here did bow the knee. 
Denied themselves, and bore their cross, 
And counted all things here but dross. 



INTRODUCTION, 

Some hundred verses I did write, 
Some by day, and some by night, 
If God will help I'll link them in, 
I wish indeed to do no sin. 

The reader then will clearly see, 
How God in providence led me : 
On different subjects I did write, 
I did it humbly with delight. 

Some trifling one perhaps will laugh, 
And say the matter is all chaff; 
Common people wheat will find, 
Instruction for the honest mind. 

Jesus Christ was perfect here, 
To some he did quite mad appear ; 
" He hath a devil," some did say. 
Such would not walk this narrow way. 

Strange if all w^ould praise this book, 
Such who read and in it look. 
Millions the Bible do despise, 
By doing so, think they are wise. 

If I reach heaven, that happy place. 
With millions see my Saviour's face; 
I']] praise with them, the Triune One, 
The Father, Spirit and the Son. 



FIFTIETH BIRTH-DAY. 



On my fiftieth birth-day I will write, 
Thoughts, which are beyond my sight. 
As God directs so will I do, 
I have His glory now in view! 

August, this, the fourteenth day, 
Eighteen seventy -three, I say. 
This day to me is more than naught ; 
I know that I from God am taught. 

In future days some one may see 
What God, my Saviour, did for me ; 
Sinners may come, give God the heart. 
Weak saints may make for heaven fresh start. 

Impression on my mind God made, 
That I should write before too late : 
I am not schooled so well in letter. 
In Grammar some may do it better. 

My thoughts run back to years when young, 
When I was not in body strong; 
God's spirit with my heart did strive, 
At ten I lived no jdIous life. 

I went from Jesus far away 
In wickedness and idle play. 
God called me oft by day and night, 
To live in sin was my delight. 



» FIFTIETH BIRTH-DAY. 

His goodness I so oft abused ; 
His lioly name I did misuse. 
On the broad road to hell I went^ 
I thought in future I'll repent. 

Satan promised to me long life. 
When I was married, had a wife, 
I then could leave the way of sin — 
A godly life might then begin. 

I learned that Satan was a liar — 

God's ways and thoughts indeed are higher. 

Satan points to things below, 

The pilgrim still must upward go. 

When I was eighteen years of age> 
I then took sick, I was not safe ; 
The fever made my body weak^ 
For help I did the doctor seek. 

His medicine I then did take 
But that did not the fever break. 
The many sins I did commit 
I found them now against me writ. 

Both soul and body now felt sick, 
Something I must do, yes, do it quick r 
My soul was filled with guilty fears, 
I sought the Lord in prayer with tears. 

On my knees, I cried, Lord, save ; 

Sin had brought me near my grave ; 

My friends did give to me good-by. 

They thought I would soon in death, cold lie 



FIFTIETH BIRTH-DAT, 

Next door to death I knew I laid, 
My sorrow now was very great ; 
I felt God's spirit drawing nigh, 
In mercy He did hear my cry. 

A burden from my heart did roll — 
I felt Christ precious to my sonl. 
My soul and body He made well, 
He snatched me as a brand from hell. 

The first I then indeed did do, 
I praised the Lord, my song was new : 
Of Jesus' name I then did sing, 
He is my Prophet, Priest, and King. 

The next I then with tongue did say, 
I said to friends Fall down and pray, 
Pray God that he your sins forgive. 
You also may in Jesus live. 

My father, up in fifty old. 

He said his heart in sin was cold. 

He could not pray, he said to me, 

I said, Father, pray, God still loves thee. 

Tliat night I hope I'll ne'er forget, 
It lives still in my memory yet ; 
That night, my soul was born again, 
God's love doth yet with me remain. 

More worth to me than glittering wealth. 
Yes, food, or clothes, or even health. 
Cannot to me such blessings give. 
As I in Jesus do receive. 



10 FIFTIETH BIRTH-DAY. 

Fifty years, this day, I'm old, 

In death, my hand may soon be cold. 

This day to me is very dear, 

With filial love my God I fear. 

I know not where my pen shall stop, 
The ink is willing still to drop. 
While God still gives to my weak heart. 
From writing I will not depart. 

Useful language God may give 
To such who would for Jesus live. 
Some precious soul who went astray, 
Instruction here may find, some day. 

When God through grace my heart did change. 
My 3^oung companions thought it strange 
That I no more with them would go 
The road that leads to endless woe. 

They lived in sin, and I in grace, 
I found true joy in wisdom's ways ; 
They thought indeed it could not be 
That I with them the}^ could not see. 

They knew not I a way had found 
Which leads to that celestial ground : 
I said to them now come and see 
Give God your heart and go with me. 

Some came and cried, Have mercy. Lord, 
According to thy holy word. 
Many sought and found indeed 
Sin is bitter, grace more sweet. 



FIFTIETH BIRTH-DAT. 11 

Of that number, some have gone, 
Soon their pilgrimage did run ; 
Such who loved God to their end. 
Now in heaven will not repent. 

Some have acted like the dumb dog, 
No more the ways of God would walk, 
Vomited and like swine in mire. 
Have turned for everlasting fire. 

The devil often tempted me 
To sin, that I should wretched be; 
Sometimes he almost gained the day, 
To lead me from the heavenly way. 

I would not for all this vain world 
Give Jesus and to hell be hurled ; — 
Jesus is worth to me, yes, more 
Than all this world with all its store. 

For soon this world will pass away 
By fire, says God, in that great day. 
True riclies, pilgrims, there shall find, 
Because they left this world behind. 

Perhaps some one would like to know 
How God did lead me here below. 
After he had pardoned me 
Some stranger now would like to see. 

When God had raised me from my bed 
Thousand points I might give yet, 
Whatever God will give to me 
Then you may read and wonders see. 



12 FIFTIETH BIRTH-DAY. 

Eighteen years, I then was old, 
The grace of God did make me bold, 
God moved my heart and said I must 
Speak to souls in Him should trust. 

Illiterate I a boy was then, 
I had to speak to some learned men. 
With trembling heart, I oft did speak, 
My teacher, Jesus, He was meek. 

I should not mind what such would say, 
Who would despise this humble \vay; 
That I should speak what God would give, 
Some will reject, some will believe. 

Some years I preached not far from home- 

I knew that I was not alone. 

My Jesus still stood to my side. 

In His firm promise could I confide. 

My earthly father I did respect, 
I was then a young man yet. 
For him I worked on farm and mill, 
I honored him and pleased him still. 

My heavenly Father spoke to me, 
So loud that I could hear and see, 
He said that He had work from home, 
When I at home my work had done. 

One day I spoke, with tears in eyes, 
To my earthly father, here's no lies, 
My heavenly Father hath work for me 
Far from home, I'll tell it thee. 



FIFTIETH BIRTH-DAT. 13 

He said he would not hinder me, 
To go he said I should be free. 
My Saviour's call I should obey ; 
He wished me luck, as he would say. 

Father and sister I gave good-by. 
My mother, in her grave did lie: 
The state Ohio, was the ground 
Where I apjDointed work have found. 

'Tis there I went from east to west. 
From south to north as God thought best, 
He gave me work by day and night, 
To do his will was my delight. 

In twenty-nine counties traveled through, 
I always found some work to do, 
Many points I must omit, 
I might bring in and make them fit. 

My object was to glorify 
The God who reigns above the sky ; 
That object I have still in view. 
In all I think, or say, or do. 

When I came back, I found all well. 
To father and sisters I could tell. 
How kind the Lord had been to me, 
We once more could each other see, 

But long at home I could not rest, 
God moved my heart still further west: 
Next year I went to Iowa, 
God showed me how long there to stay. 



14 FIFTIETH BIRTII-DAT. 

On the land and on the deep, 
Jesus told me still to speak, 
Some would laugh and others weep. 
My Jesus I would near me keep. 

When I my work that year had done, 
I started eastward, reached safe home; 
Found my friends, as usual, well ; 
But long with them I could not dwell. 

I helped my father build a barn, 

It was a favor, and no harm ; 

My conscience I would still keep clear, 

In heavenly love and godly fear. 

The time again did now draw nigh. 
That I to friends must say, good-by ; 
To western soil again must go, 
There the Gospel trump to blow. 

In my father's house we met. 
We had a solemn meeting, yet 
Next day we parted through grace ; 
Since, never saw my father's face. 

I left again, for west was bound; 
But went first east, then north, around 
I traveled both by land and sea. 
My Saviour still was kind to me. 

Thus I traveled far and wide. 

And preached the word by day and night. 

Solemm news my ears did meet, 

Which caused mine eyes soon tears to weep 



FIFTIETH BIRTH-DAY. 15 

My earthly father is no more; 
The letter said, he left this shore ; 
Thousands of times I prayed for him, 
I hope the Lord forgave his sin, 

I hope to God his soul is safe, 
When I came back I saw his grave, 
But could not talk as heretofore, 
Because I heard his voice no more. 

Eight sisters, I had not another, 
I, the ninth, their only brother; 
Seven of them were each a wife, 
I and the youngest single life. 

The youngest, too, was married, then 
Some years I staid as single men, 
God led me still in his own way, 
To preach the word by night and day. 

Thus I was led from day to day, 
In my Lord's appointed way, 
I wished to live a pious life, 
And trusted God for a house-wife. 

God gave me one, 'twas Mary Ann, 
I'll give some points, while yet I can ; 
My age was near twenty-eight years, 
We married in God's holy fears. 

She counted years two more than I, 
But who can tell, which first must die; 
Twenty-two years since we have met, 
To-day, we are together yet. 



16 FIFTIETH BIRTH-DAY, 

The Lord to us one heir did give, 
Twenty-one years with us did Uve, 
The twenty-second, she began — 
Nancy took for life a man. 

Since I did change my single state, 
God's love to us has been so great, 
I realized His promised grace, 
Since I have found His smiling face. 

My heart this day doth thank the Lord, 
For all the promise in His word, 
Millions did so sudden die. 
Thousands on sick beds do lie. 

Denying grace with Him is found. 
When I left home His word to sound. 
Six times I went to British soil, 
For souls there I w^ould work and toil. 

Some one might think I'm boasting here, 
No, I write now in my God's fear ; 
Of God's grace alone I boast, 
I care not for a wicked host. 

The fiftieth birth-day, 'tis for me. 
This day I never more shall see : — 
This day, indeed, may be my last — 
I write of things which are now past. 

Some may think the man is weak, 
Others say 'tis self he seeks ; 
The question is, what God will say, 
I know I'm in the good old way. 



FIFTIETH BIETH-DAY. 17 

A little more I ought to v/rite, 
Of my labor da}^ and night, 
How God did lead in seventy-two, 
His mercies to us were not few. 

The Lord had put it in my mind. 
To leave my family behind ; 
To Western States once more to go; 
The gospel trumpet there to blow. 

I left my home the first of May, 
God has been with me night and day; 
And by His strong and mighty hand, 
Has led me safe on Kansas land. 

Some months, for God, I there did spend 
On Kansas soil, I'll not repent 
That I went forth as God did lead : 
I felt His love divinely sweet. 

'Twas there I stood on heathen ground, 
The Indians heard the gospel sound, 
By me and friend, who wished them well. 
We taught them how in God to dwell. 

They need, indeed, the Christian's love, 
To teach them of those things above ; 
And tell them how to live below. 
If we would safe to heaven go. 

When I left home I traveled west ; 
I then turned north, I thought it best, 
To travel forth as God would lead : 
Sinners daily I would meet. 



18 FIFTIETH BIRTn-r>AY. 

To them I said, 0, stop and think, 

do not sport upon the brink ! 
But do now, while you may, return, 
Or else you must forever burn. 

Some self-denial I passed through, 

1 give not many, but a few : « 
Through the streams I had to wade. 
Bridges there, were rarely made. 

I traveled through cold, sometimes in heat, 
God's approbation wished to meet : 
I never felt right satisfied. 
Unless I had God glorified. 

One night I was locked in a room. 

Thank God, I was not there alone, 

I had my Saviour with me there. 

Could praise His name, and saj' my prayer. 

Next morning, thank God, I came out, 
My soul felt happy, I could shout : 
I then proceeded on my journey 
In good humor, with my pony. 

The robbers took from me niy money, — 
The love of God, more sweet than honey, 
They could not take that from my heart, 
My Saviour would not from me part. 

Thus I went forth from day to day, 
In my Lord's appointed way ; 
Not knowing where a home I'd find, 
Some are stingy, some are kind. 



FIFTIETH BIRTH-DAY. 19 

I spoke for Jesus in each state, 
Sometimes early, sometimes late ; 
On streets, in houses, souls did hear 
Of that God whom all should fear. 

When I reached home and found all safe. 
And none had gone to the cold grave, 
It did indeed me so much please, 
I thanked the Lord upon my knees. 

Five months and eighteen days I spent, 
In love for souls I'll not repent. 
I promised God for Him to live 
While He me life and grace shall give. 

Near ten months have now run round 
Since I returned from Kansas ground ; 
I preached here in my native State, 
To high and low, to rich and great. 

To-day I'm fifty years of age, 
I may be very near my grave ; 
I say the will of God be done, 
I know I'm on my journey home. 

Before I die I think to go, 
The seventh time to Ontario. 
Good seed to sow on British soil, 
For my Saviour, work and toil. 

How soon the hour of death will come 
To call us hence to our long home, 
God alone, he knows, can tell. 
May none of us go doAvn to hell. 



20 FIFTIETH BIRTII-DAY. 

I, my daughter, and my wife, 
To-day thank God we are alive, 
My son-in-law comes in as four, 
My mother-in-law her two sons more. 

Next week the number may decrease, 
Four may stay and three may leave. 
If we shall take the parting hand. 
Perhaps never to meet here in tliis land. 

If this indeed should happen so 
That we could never meet below, 
May we then meet in heaven above, 
Where all is peace and all is love. 

The shade of night now falls on me, 
To write I soon no more can see ; 
The night of death — it soon will come, 
May I then have my work well done. 

I'll now wind up my poet lines. 
Perhaps some more in future rhymes 
If God leads me some more may write, 
Some by day and some by night. 

My name I now will give below 
Each line a letter is to show 
The name of him, his fiftieth year, 
One hundred verses seem quite queer. 

Eternal are thy mercies. Lord, 
Union Spirit, Word and God ; 
Saviour and God, in spirit one, 
Emmanuel said, God's will be done, 



FIFTIETH BIRTH-DAY. 21 

Be this 111}' daily language, Lord ; 
Inspire nn' soul, thou Living Word ; 
Unite me steadfastly to God, 
Safe path which all the pious trod. 

Heaven on earth begins within : 
Eternal joj^s more sweet than sin. 
Rest for the weary spirit here ; 
Such as serve God with filial fear. 

Come Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
Help me with all the heavenly host, 
Eternal hallelujahs sing; 
Yes, there my praise more perfect bring. 



FIFTY-FIRST BIRTH-DAY. 



Fifty-one years, this day I am old, 
Many hands are dead and cold, 
I am alive, my hands can move, 
And speak of God's michanging love. 

A year ago I wrote at home. 
To-day I'm sitting here alone : 
In writing God would glorify, 
And do some good before I die. 

One hundred verses, I did write 
A year ago, and with delight ; 
God helped me, I am sure he did, 
Then at sundown I did quit. 

A year since then is past and gone. 
Perhaps, I now am near my home ; 
I know my time doth fast decrease, 
Death will each pilgrim soon release. 

The year which God did give to me 
His goodness, I could richly see ; 
I am still spared by mercy, yet 
Many to-day are cold and dead. 

Last year I wrote of things then past, 
Left back some points, my thoughts were fast 
If God doth help, I'll now bring in 
Those points — I hope it is no sin. 
22 



FIFTY-FIRST BIRTH-DAT. 23 

My visit first to Indian tribe, 
The Ogybways, they did me like, 
My hands did shake, a friendly look : 
I taught them from the Holy Book. 

F preached to them by day and night, 
I did it honest, with delight ; 
May the good seed I then did sow, 
To God's glory richly grow. 

When I my farewell sermon gave, 
Every one did well behave ; 
The chief, with honest heart did say, 
They wished me blessings on my way. 

Benefit, he said, they did receive : 
My stay with them I did not grieve, 
If only God was glorified, 
I willingly myself denied. 

How manj^ days I yet shall live, 
I know not ; but to God I'll give : 
Follow Him where'er He leads, 
And take the bitter with the sweet. 

I have it in my heart to go, 
The eighth time to Ontario: 
I wish to see my Father's hand, 
Guide me safe in every land. 

Help me to do His holy will, 
His commandments all fulfill. 
How happy shall I be in death, 
When I have Jesus in my breath. 



24 riFTi'-FIRST BIRTH-DAY. 

I then can- wait for angel band. 

To waft my soul to Canaan's land. 

And meet blessed ones who have gone before, 

Yes, meet them on that heavenly shore. 

Teach me my God what more to write, 
My day goes fast, soon comes my night ; 
May others read when I am gone, 
And meet me in a better home. 

This day I feel in body weak, 
I often did in public speak ; 
The love of Christ oft me constrain 
To strive for godliness, great gain. 

Those who seek for riches here, 

Don't serve God with filial fear, 

They drown in snares, and lust, and pain. 

For them it will be a poor gain. 

Look up my soul to joys on high. 
For all is vain below the sky : 
0, may I daily watch and pray. 
And send the joys of earth away. 

May I my joys in God all find, 

And not like Lot's wife, look behind ; 

But look to Jesus as I go ; 

Then sweet joys from Him will flow. 

Fire and brimstone soon will fall. 
Destroy all on this earthly ball. 
The saints before ascend on high, 
And meet their Saviour in the sky. 



FIFTY-FIRST BIRTH-DAY. 25 

Sinners then who were so proud, 
Will cry for mercy, yes, cry loud ! 
They pray that mountains now may f:ill. 
And hide them from the Judge of all. 

Tliat will then be a horrid sight, 

When heaven and earth shall take their flight, 

And every sinner then shall hear, 

Avva}^ from Christ, in hell appear. 

But all the saints shall hear said, Come ! 
Christ invites them to their home ; 
Then with Him shall always be 
In that blessed eternity. 

Perhaps I soon should cease to write, 
In reading some may not delight : 
My Saviour, if you've thoughts for me, 
Then give, — I'll write, let others see. 

Twenty-five verses this will make, 
I must not yet my j^en forsake : 
Some useful points nicay yet come in, 
If I should write of different sin. 

Tlie first I give is Pride, so great, 
It's followed up early and late ; 
Tiie question is, how can we know. 
And how does it, its color show ? 

While the child is not yet here. 
The wicked mother does appear; 
And with her wicked hands prepares, 
Gewgaws for the child, the snares. 



26 FIFTY-FIBST BIRTH-DAY. 

Thus the lust of eye is fed, 
While the child is small, as yet : 
Year by year, this sin doth grow. 
Bad example brings the show. 

Thousands of families thus are bred, 
Many say they're Christians ; yet 
The devil hath them in his power, 
If not broke loose, he will devour. 

'Tis pitiful, indeed, to see 

The ruin of such family ; 

Money and time, thus thrown away — ■ 

Then mourn and weej) in endless day. 

This sin is deep, it's also high : 
High steeples on the churches crj^, 
We are up and others down. 
Such as we, shall wear the crown. 

On the dancing-floor, that's low. 
There you see this sin doth grow; 
Those who are the smartest there, 
Such expect the crown to wear. 

The preachers who do in public speak, 
Many do for honors seek ; 
Not from God, but that of man ; 
In this they do the best they can. 

With humble zeal, but few doth speak 
And thus the glory of God seek. 
Such are not proud, all sin reproof, 
In open air, or under roof. 



FIFTY-FIEST BIHTH-DAY. 27 

The love of Christ doth them constrain, 
They seek not here for earthly gain ; 
But preach the truth which God did give, 
Themselves a good example live. 

Intemperance is a mighty sin, 

Millions have plunged themselves right in. 

Whisky, tobacco and in dress, 

Such do the Word of God transgress. 

This sin is seen where'er you go. 
Poor and rich, yes, high and low ; 
Tobacco and the whisky stink, — 
Gewgaws oft have the smell of ink. 

Some will buy on trust, for show; 

Thus the devil makes them go 

The intemperance road swift down to hell, 

Where such must forever dwell. 

Oh, what a pity, thus to see 
Ruining the human family ; 
Since Jesus died for all mankind. 
Yet millions will be left behind. 

The other sin that I now give, 
Such who in wicked secret live ; 
If they would serve the Lord, indeed, 
They might as well in public meet. 

Invite their neighbors, young and old, 
Let nothing in the dark be told ; 
Eeveal the truth, and not conceal — 
All that is good for man reveal. 



J^G FIFTY-FIRST BIRTH-DAY. 

This is the beast I do believe, 
Those that will not their mark receive ; 
Fire it sends forth in wrath, oppress 
Such who will not God's word transgress. 

The time may not far distant be, 
When many will quite clearly see. 
What I here write is surely true. 
The world doth now the beast pursue. 

The horns of the beast can now be seen, 
Some portions of the world hath been. 
If you their wickedness betray, 
They seek how they may you down lay. 

M}^ God help me the snare to shun. 
May I the way to heaven run ; 
And thus escape the snares of sin. 
At heaven's door then enter in. 

Where all the dangers then are past, 
Eedemption's day is coming fiist. 
God keep thj^ children wide awake. 
That from these sins may not partake. 

The devil daily tempteth me 
That I should sin and wicked be ; 
I had still grace him to resist. 
From wicked things I will desist. 

For surely I should faithful be, 
God's love to me I daily see; 
His love to me has been so great, 
Him I serve early and late. 



FIFTY-FIRST BIRTH-DAY. 29 

My earthly parents they are gone — 
My Saviour leaves me not alone : 
Two sisters they have gone before, 
May I meet them on Canaan's shore. 

Six of my sisters still do live ; 
Death's message I may soon receive, 
That some of them have passed away, 
So they may hear from me some day. 

The fiftieth verse I now do give, 
I'm thankful that I still do live. 
This day I kept with God in quiet, 
Since last night I took no diet. 

Fifty -one verses — as my age, 
I know my house will be the grave. 
Oh, may my conduct daily show. 
That my soul doth upward go. 

Of what subject shall I now write. 
Before I close my eyes to night ? 
Is there any thing that I could give 
To benefit such who still live ? 

The busy world, I hear its sound, 
Labor and toil is all around; 
We should work and honest be — 
Work also for eternity. 

Work our salvation in God's time; 
That's right ! I'll give it in this rhyme : 
Let hands and hearts united be, 
To work for God so should it be ! 



30 FIFTY-FIRST BIRTH-B V.Y. 

Such are a light to those around, 
They prove that they the way have found 
That leads straight through this world of sin, 
At heaven's door they enter in. 

Heaven is worth our work indeed. 
The bitter of all is mixed with sweet ; 
While we have heaven still in view, 
Our work with great delight can do. 

Perhaps my pen ought soon to stop, 
Yet some ink will freely drop : 
If God doth help the pen will move. 
And give still more of Jesus' love. 

A wonder why I still do live, 
My heart saj^s I to God must give. 
My strength and all I have and be. 
For all His mercies shown to me. 

To-day, while I can sit and write. 
Many are blind and have no sight ; 
Thousands are dumb and cannot talk, 
While I can see, both talk and walk. 

Many are deaf, they cannot hear, 
But voices sound clear in mine ear. 
Oh, may my heart beat thankfulness, 
To God, for all such happiness. 

I know that I account must give 
For all such blessings I receive ; 
May I with these God honor here. 
And then before Him safe appear. 



FIFTY-FIRST BIRTH-DAY. 31 

If I the writings of this day 
Unite with what I do and say, 
I wish to do it in such shape 
No earthly honor I would crave. 

When I a j^ear ago did write 
I thought that I would with delight 
If God would spare my life this year 
Serve God in love with filial fear. 

My calling takes me far from home, 
I left my wife, yet not alone, 
Her mother and her brothers two, 
While I'm from home, God's work to do. 

Four weeks, last Tuesday, I left home, 
My Saviour left me not alone, 
He blessed me still, by night and day 
I pray that He may with me stay. 

It takes, indeed, much grace I know, 
To leave dear ones, and far off go — 
Sometimes I wish I home might go. 
Give others room the trump to blow. 

But woe I feel, if I don't go 
Wherever God doth lead below. 
Some sinner by me hear and see, 
How Jesus died on Calvary. 

This is my object, while I live. 
My fellow-men good counsel give. 
And do what I to others say. 
Myself not be a castaway. 



32 FIFTY-FIRST BIRTH-DAY. 

Many eyes are fixed on me, 
I wish that such in me may see 
A heavenly zeal and godly walk, 
That I may never idly talk. 

I am a father of one child, 
In my youth I was quite wild. 
Yesterday, my eyes did see : — 
Grand-father, now they do call me. 

My obligations thus increase, 
From prayer to God, I dare not cease 
My offspring might a thousand be, 
When I am in eternity. 

Whether few or many they be. 
May we in heaven each other see ; 
And meet where all our troubles o'er, 
On that bright and heavenly shore. 

If I shall live another year, 

My object is, with filial fear 

To serve the Lord from day to day, 

And walk in His appointed way. 

Oh may my soul be sanctified, 
And my spirit with delight : 
And in my body glorify. 
My God who reigns above the sky. 

May this be always my delight, 
To know that God is glorified. 
In all I think, or say, or do. 
My Master's glory I've in view. 



FIFTY-FIRST BIRTH-PAY. 33 

I thank the Lord, that I could write 
Seventy-five verses with delight ; 
This makes in all, now seventy-six; 
My hope and all in God I fix. 

Amen, amen, so let it be, 

Till I my God in heaven shall see. 

And there, with all the shining host, 

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. 



FIFTY-SECOND BIRTH-DAY. 



To God who did my being give, 

I thank Thee, that I still do live : 

My birth-day, I say, — fifty-two, 

I'm spared and have some work to do. 

Two years ago, in health, could write 
One hundred verses with delight; 
In poem form I them did shape, 
When I did stop it was not late. 

One year ago, when fifty-one. 
The writing I again begun : 
Verses I wrote, — seventy-seven, 
I wrote not late, not till eleven. 

My heart feels thankful to my God, 
I still delight in His good word ; 
God's goodness, I this year did share, 
His loving-kindness me did spare. 

The fifty-second year is past. 

For me, it might have been the last ; 

If so. Thy will, O God, be done, 

I hope to reach my heavenly home. 

I think I should write lines to-day, 
Some one may come along this way, 
And find the language they may use, 
To assist them in the way of truth. 
34 



FIFTY-SECOND BIRTH-DAY\ C5 

Incline my heart, God, to think 

And write such truth that will not stink; 

Language that shall useful be. 

For those w^ho read, or hear, or see. 

The time is passing fast away, 
I wonder that I live to-day ; 
Millions died younger than I, 
Many friends in graves do lie. 

Through dangers I have passed this year, 
Some narrow^ escapes I saw with fear; 
The hand of God protected me. 
My Father's hand I plain could see. 

To Him I ow^e ten thousand thanks, 
I know He kept me in His hands : 
In His hand I wish to stay. 
While traveling on the narrow way. 

Thirty-four years have near passed by, 

Since I for help on God rely. 

He never disappointed me, 

Nor shall, while to Him I laithful be. 

I need more sanctifying grace. 
To serve God faithful all my days ; 
The worth of souls I more should feel, 
And cannot with a heart like steel. 

If I should live to fifty-three, 
O may my Saviour be with me ; 
In going out and coming in, 
May I be led not once to sin. 



36 FIFTY-SECOND BIRTH-DAY. 

It' duty calls me far from home, 
My Jesus, leave me not alone. 
But go with me by night and day. 
Help me for Thee some good to say. 

And if affliction I must bear, 
At home, or any place elsewhere; 
May I not speak one murmuring word, 
But may I say, That's good, my Lord. 

Chastising rod is for me good, 

It gives the humble spirit food, 

I know God knows what's for me best, 

After labor comes sweet rest. 

Then, my soul, fresh courage take, 
And gladly all that's bad forsake ; 
Do good while in this house of clay. 
For soon will come the dying day. 

I'm thankful I can know this day. 
That I am in the good old way : 
Increase my courage daily Lord, 
To live according to Thy word. 

My soul forget all earthly joy. 
And all thy faculties employ ; 
Work for Jesus, for he pays 
Well who serves Him all their days. 

Eight years I lost when I was young, 
I wish those things could be undone ; 
Yes, many wrongs I then did do. 
To God and man I was not true. 



FIFTY-SECOND BIRTH-DAY. 37 

I know Jesus forgave those wrongs. 
Which I in younger years have done, 
I thank Him yet, with all my heart ; 
That I for heaven, while young did start. 

It was high time, of course, I knew 
To leave the course I did pursue ; 
His arm was mighty me to stop. 
At my heart's door he oft did knock. 

When I opened he then entered in, 
He cleansed my heart from all past sin ; 
Oh what a wonder I did see, 
I was so glad that Christ loves me. 

O Jesus may I love Thee more. 

And needful help from Thee implore: 

Yes, Jesus let me daily see 

Tliat Thou hast and still lovest me. 

jMay I go forth in Thy great name 
And never seek for earthly gain ; 
To saints and sinners may I sa}^, 
Jesus, the life, the truth, the way. 

Twenty-five verses I did write. 
In the forenoon, while daylight : 
Two meetings since I did attend, 
Of such a course I'll not repent. 

It is now night, about bed-time. 
If God will give me some more rhyme, 
I'll put them down on paper white. 
Although it is late in the night. 



38 FIFTY-SECOND BIRTH-DAY. 

The day which now is past and gone, 
The Lord knows all that I have done ; 
My ohject was to do some good 
For God, who gives me daity food. 

My eyes are weak, I soon must close; 
In natural sleep, myself repose. 
I'll add some more if I shall live, 
And write whatever God will give. 

May He watch over me this night; 
If I shall live till morning light, 
And shall commence my fifty-three. 
Then, heavenly Father, be with me. 

August, now the 16th day, 

If I will do some good, I may; 

0, heavenly Father, pardon me! 

Wherein Thou wrong in me didst see. 

I'm pressing forward to my grave. 
How strictly then should I behave. 
In all I think, or say, or do, 
God'^s glory may I have in view. 

I soon may have to give account, 
For all the mercies I have found. 
Innumerable have they been: 
Millions with mine eyes I've seen. 



FIFTY-THIRD BIRTH-DA Y. 



Oil my fiftieth birth-day, I did write 
Thoughts which were first out of sight, 
> God brought them to me I beheve : 
I hope some will the truth receive. 

At fifty-one, again I wrote ; 
On earth I have a short abode, 
I look for heaven's eternal rest, 
This is for all of us the best. 

When fifty-two, my pen did use, 
God's goodness I did not abuse, 
I wrote of God's great love to me. 
When I am dead, still some may see. 

To-day, God, what do I see ! 
It is now fifty-three with me ; 
My eyes do see, my ears do hear. 

Lord, help me still Thee to fear. 

Fifty-three years I now am old. 
Why is my hand in death not cold ? 
Some labor I shall do for Him, 
Keep me, O God, from every sin. 

Thanks be to God, to-day I'm well, 

1 might be long ago in hell. 
God did His mercy to me show. 
He wished me not to be in woe. 



40 FIFTY-THIRD BIRTH-DAY. 

The year which now is past and gone, 
God for us much good has done ; 
This morning we are all alive, — 
Seven without myself and wife. 

Millions the past year did die. 
In sea and earth their bodies lie ; 
The question is, Why do we live ? 
For glory to our God to give. 

The year which now is past and gone. 
For God I hope some work I've done, 
By preaching, and by proxy too, 
I had His glory still in view ; 

To Eastern Virginia I did go, 
The gospel trump I there did blow ; 
I preached to colored and to white, 
In daylight and by candle-light. 

My gospel visit God has blessed, 
I told them how we may find rest 
By doing what the Lord commands, 
Whether in North or Southern lands. 

Some, I hope, good counsel take. 
And willing all their sins forsake. 
And by God's grace meet me above, 
To sing in heaven redeeming love. 

This year is called Centennial Year, 
I wish that old and young may fear, 
In our blessed America, 
And other nations far away. 



FIFTY-THIRD BIRTH-DAY. 41 

God did to us great wisdom give, 
To His honor all should live. 
And show that we do honor Him; 
Be wise and hate the ways of sin. 

Some seek their wisdom here beneath, 
Thereby they wish not God to please. 
Sensual, earthlj^ devilish too, 
With no desire God's will to do. 

True wisdom has a nobler mind, 
It knows that God to us is kind ; 
The pious seek it from above. 
Through wisdom they God daily love. 

What is it now I next should write? 
God's will to do is my delight, 
I hope He'll bring now to my mind, 
Thoughts good for me and all mankind. 

As thoughts do come, so will I write, 
Soon my eyes will hav^ no sight; 
Death will close these mortal eyes, 
I seek my home beyond the skies. 

Wliat is the thing or object next, 
I hope to God He'll bring the best; 
By writing I w^ill honor Him, 
And be not guilty of one sin. 

Self interest, I indeed, shall shun. 
If I in weakness should have done 
Anything that please not God, 
Do it from Thy memory blot. 



42 FIFTY-THIRD BIRTH-DAY, 

My calling is a watchman, I, 
I must not here so cold pass by ; 
My prayer to God is, Lead me so 
To honor Thee while here below. 

I think if every watchman would, 
Live as pious as we should, 
To follow Christ as each should do, 
Many, our example would pursue. 

The Saviour said. Ye are the light 
Of the world ; but not by pride. 
But by humility and love, 
Then pointing to those things above. 

Many do as Demas did. 
Laboring for the Lord they quit; 
Some like Judas, Christ do sell 
For money, and then go to hell. 

Pauls, indeed, are not now many, 
Many seek dollars and i^nny, 
To seek God's glory and the soul, 
Many such things don't them control. 

What can I to such things now say ? 
Is self the object in my way, 
Which I am traveling day and night? 
God's glory I have still in sight. 

Fifty-three years this day, I'm old, 
Tu death my hand will soon be cold ; 
I wish to preach with hand walk, 
With my mouth for Jesus talk. 



FIFTY-rniRU BIRTH-DAY. 43 

Thus my God will be with me, 
Others then may hear and see. 
That God can lead us by His hand, 
If we will seek that better land. 

Some will say, we'll go with you, 
God, who has promised. He is true, 
We'll go with you to that blessed land, 
Our hearts to God, to you the hand. 

Til rough duty and through trials too. 
We'll go with heaven in our view; 
God's love can make the bitter sweet, 
His approbation we still meet. 

Happy home where Christians meet, 
No more bitter, all is sweet, 
Tears, indeed, are wiped away, 
Joy shall last in endless day. 

Why do I say so much of heaven? 

I know my sins are all forgiven, 

A foretaste of heaven it is so sweet. 

May these weak lines weak pilgrims greet. 

I have in mind to put in print 

These lines, I hope they will not stink, 

Honest people them may read, 

When these lines their eyes shall meet. 

Some my small gift may despise. 
Others may read and be made wise ; 
Some will pray to God for grace, 
And walk in wisdom's happy ways. 



44 FIFTY- THIRD BIRTH-DAY. 

This year is called Centennial Year, 
In Philadelphia, nations did appear, 
A hundred years, what God hath shown, 
Pity that many Him "won't own. 

Many depend on their own skill, 
Not humble to obey God's will. 
The devil doth lead many a fool, 
And makes of such a wicked tool. 

That God which did our being give, 
To His glory all should live. 
All the good we here possess, 
Is to promote our happiness. 

What punishment will these incur, 
Not willing their lazy heart to stir, 
To love God as they ought to do ; 
Their carnal lusts they do pursue. 

If such will not repent and turn. 
In hell they must for ever burn : 
Their earthly wisdom them deceive, 
Because they did God's Spirit grieve. 

The devil who deceived them here, 
Will not to them now smooth appear, 
He'll mock and laugh them to their face, 
Because they did his lies embrace. 

Oh ! what a hell ; Oh ! what a pain ; 
With devils always to remain : 
Weeping eyes and gnashing teeth, 
Their torment will always increase. 



FIFTY-THIRD BIKTH-DAY. 45 

Their thoughts while weeping will run back, 
And think how God's love was not slack ; 
But called them still by night and day, 
Warned them to stay from hell away. 

While I now write with ink and pen, 
I think of women and of men ; 
And millions while they are yet young,. 
How they the way to hell do throng. 

May sinners, such who read these lines, 
StojD, take warning, yet betimes. 
And turn to God without delay. 
For soon will come the judgment day. 

My God help me to feel, indeed. 
That I there too, my Judge must meet,. 
And hear Him say. Depart from me; 
Or, Come in now My joys to see, 

How happy shall each watchman be, 
If with pure heart their Judge can see; 
And live with Christ for ever more. 
Meet millions on that blissful shore. 

Such who took our counsel here, 
With them now safe in heaven appear ; 
Tongues cannot express the joy. 
With angels the sweet praise employ. 

The forty-eighth I now begin, 
Verses I hope I did no sin. 
My heart feels warm and solemn too, 
God hath more work for me to do. 



46 FIFTT-THIRT) BIRTH-PAY. 

I feel His spirit in my heart, 
From writing must not yet depart ; 
God bath much matter yet in store, 
I trust He'll give to me some more. 

The fiftieth verse, — eleven o'clock 
In the forenoon, I shall not stop; 
I'll dip my pen in ink, and write, 
If God says so, until 'tis night. 

I now think back, when I was young; 
About two years weak and not strong, 
Tears I shed then, I remember well, 
From thence now many thing did tell, 

Four kind hands of parents dear. 
Such kind hands did disappear. 
Two of their children followed them. 
To-day, I yet can use the pen. 

When I was young, in stripling play, 
Kind parents then taught, me to pray : 
If this would be all over so. 
Then we indeed, would see less woe. 

Parents and children might do well, 
If all would shun the way to hell, 
Each parent should I think, do so ; 
A godly conduct show below. 

God led me His mysterious way. 
His Spirit taught me how to pr.iy ; 
Wh?n eighteen years I then took sick. 
The Spirit taught me to pray quick. 



FIFTY-THIRD BIRTH-DAT. 47 

I gave of this in former writ, 
This subject then I here shall quit; 
And write of othet things and saj', 
How God has led me in His way. 

My call to watch for souls below, 
I doubt it not, God called me so; 
A work that none could do for me, 
This I felt and still do see. 

But, Oh ! I feel my weakness deep, 
Often by myself I weep ; 
But I must go, I feel the woe: 
If I refuse the trump to blew. 

To-day I make this solemn vow, 
While I before my God do bow : 
If God be with me, I will go, 
His word as a good seed to sovr. 

This is my object while I live, 
To honor God, Him all to give ; 
Return to Him thanks for His grace, 
Rejoice in His appointed ways, 

In future days I yet may see, 
How God in providence led me, 
His ways are safe and surely riu^lit. 
In them I wish still to delight. 

To nature's eye they may seem dark, 
Of light may not have a small spark. 
But faith looks up and sees the star, 
The promise made to Israel far. 



48 FIFTr-THIRD BIRTH-BAY. 

The way of God thus far for me, 
Were good for me I clearly see ; 
In future days they'll be the same, 
If I love none but Jesus' name. 

All other names will pass away, 
But this will last through endless day ; 
Oh ! that all men at once might see, 
At Jesus' name now bend the knee. 

This must be done, if not now here, 
Then when we at His bar appear, 
All sinners there must bend the knee. 
When they shall have their Judge to see. 

All saints shall then rejoicing come. 
And bend their knees around God's throne 
Cry, Jesus hath done all things well. 
While sinners shall be hurled to hell. 

My subject, I perhaps, should change, 
But not to sin, that would be strange, 
Some one who read might think and say, 
So much of Jesus and His way. 

Jesus yesterday, to-day, and the same 

To all eternity remain ; 

The sinners only refuge is, 

Each saint in Christ doth seek for bliss. 

Nine times I went to British soil. 
For my Saviour there to toil, 
If God shall lead me ten times there, 
His will be done, this is my prayer. 



FIFTY-THIRD BIRTH-DAY. 49 

I am resigned, God knows the best, 
North or South, yes East or West, 
Only this I want to know. 
That God indeed doth lead me so. 

may Christ's love my heart constrain 
To speak the truth in Jesus' name ; 
Whether at home or far away. 

The best for Chiist still have to say. 

To-day I am at home, and hear 
Two grand-children's voices, dear : 
My daughter now a mother's care, 
In God she ought to trust by prayer. 

Her husband too, should bear his share, 
Both should daily bow in prayer ; 

1 know, if this will be the case, 
God will provide for them a place. 

And care for them whilehere below. 
Then after death to heaven go, 
There with God shall happy be, 
All safe, a little family. 

For parents, and grand-parents too, 
While they live what should they do ? 
Pray and live a godly life, 
Live in peace, and not in strife. 

If we, indeed, do serve God here 

In holy love and filial fear. 

Our offspring then in heaven may meet. 

Children and grand-children greet. 



50 FIFTY-THIRD BIRTH-DAY. 

Some one may think it is now time, 
At seventy-eight to close the rhyme ; 
But who can guess what God will say ? 
How much I have to write this day ? 

In inspiration I believe, 
If we God's spirit do not grieve, 
This is the way men spake of old ; 
Useful things to them were told. 

They spoke and wrote to others too, 
What God would have us all to do : 
Good men at present may be few. 
May I be one whom God finds true. 

I hope I do not paper waste. 
Although I wrote somewhat in haste ; 
My birth-day I did wish to spend 
In writing, on God's help depend. 

One might ask the question here. 
What good can yet in rhymes appear ? 
I'll trust in God and He will tell ; 
My faith on Him doth steadfast dwelL 

No trifling spirit do I feel, 

God to me will still reveal 

Some more lines to honor Him, 

By reading some may cease from sin. 

If this is done by some dear soul, 
God's spirit shall some hearts control, 
To seek the Lord by these weak lines, 
Then who would scorn such honest rhymes? 



PIFTY^THIRD BIRTH-DAY. 51 

You say, the Bible is enough, 
Away then with such rhyming stuff. 
Dear reader do not judge too quick, 
Or else you in some truth might stick. 

God you will find in the first verse, 
I hope He to each verse gave birth ; 
I'm not ashamed, let high and low. 
Live as the rhymes doth teach them "so. 

I know my rhymes are getting many, 
I seek not praise, nor seek for penny; 
God's glory I have said I seek, 
God keep me sincere and meek. 

What shall I write? 'Tis eighty-eight. 
May those which follow have much weight : 
Before a year has run its round. 
Among the dead I may be found. 

If God is pleased to call me home, 
I hope I'll be not there alone, 
My Jesus I shall keep with me. 
The crown I now by faith can see. 

But I must watch and pray I know. 
If I would please my God below ; 
If I my grace would here forsake, 
Some other then my crown would take. 

While I here write, my minutes fly ; 
God raise my thoughts to things on high, 
Till I my race below have run, 
Then I through grace a crown have won. 



52 FIFTY-THIRD BIRTH-DAT. 

My lines I'll all to God commend, 
Some day, perhaps. He'll send a friend ; 
To read these lines and put to print, 
Whatever critics say or think. 

If I am called myself away, 
Before these lines shall come to day, 
I wish that some may bring to light, 
These lines by print to human sight. 

Shall I indeed, give ninety-four. 
And after this six verses more. 
On God I must depend for them, 
I hope he will direct my pen. 

This day is passing fast away, 
It is near four o'clock to-day, 
In the morning I began, 
I knew if God would help I can 

Put verses down to honor Him; 
I know I hate the ways of sin. 
My God to please is what I seek. 
Humble I wish to be and meek. 

I'll now wind up my poet lines. 
If I shall live to future times, 
As God will use me let Him lead, 
His grace can make the bitter sweet. 

To God, I all the glory give, 

From Him my being did receive, 

To Him I'll give my fleeting hours. . 

And serve Him faithful with my powers. 



FIFTY-THIRB BIRTH-DAY. 53 

I love my Jesus who did die 
For my salvation, He came nigh; 
My cross I'll take and follow Him, 
Deny myself and hate all sin. 

TIjc Holy Spirit is my zeal, 
He doth the way of truth reveal ; 
Then I will love these three in one, 
Spirit, Father and the Son. 

I thank the Lord for this blessed day, 
It hath so smoothly passed away. 
I had no pain, could walk and see, 
God's mercy was so great to me. 



CENTENNIAL HYMN, 



United States of America ; 
Centennial, hundred years, they say. 
The God who other nations knew,. 
Saw what United States would do. 

One hundred years we say are past, 
Since Declaration's news went fast 
From North to South, from East to West ; 
The act was done they thought the best. 

Those hands which wrote in a great haste, 
They hoped they did not paper waste ; 
They wished that those who followed them 
Might honest be, true godly men. 

Millions have died, we know, since then, 
Not all of whom were honest men ; 
If Washington could now come back. 
He'd find that many things still lack. 

A hundred years ! What is the best ? 
Thanks be to God ! the slaves found rest,. 
Their shackles broke and they are free, 
INIany, such things, don't like to see. 

Dear colored race, we wish you well ; 
Christ died to save a world from hell : 
Let all who are yet bound in sin 
To Jesus come, He'll take them in. 
54. 



CENTENNIAL HYMN. 55 

In our blessed United States 
Many a one his brother hates ; 
Democrats think that they are down ; 
Repubhcans shan't wear the crown. 

What is the name, the party name ? 
The name is after all the same. 
' The thing is this — Which does the right? 
God in that people doth delight. 

God, who does the nations rule, 
Wants good men, employs no fool ; 
In wisdom He His will performs. 
In sunshine, and sometimes by storms. 

Philadelphia — Brotherly love !' 
God, who also rules above, 
Has fixed His eyes on that great spot, 
Where Red Men long ago have trod. 

They worshiped the Great Spirit there 
In ignorance, with honest prayer. 
Why do those kings and princes meet? 
Is it to worship at God's feet? 

President and Governors too,. 
Meet there now, but what to do ? 
With other men in office high, 
Is it their God to glorify ? 

God looks for this i ye great men hear; 
Great wisdom did to us appear ; 
Then as a nation, we should be 
Thankful to God for all we see. 



56 CENTENNIAL HYMN. 

Centennial now, one hundred j^ears; 
Some years ago there were some fears, 
That our blessed land would ruined be-; 
Many then wished that day to see. 

Thanks be to God the Union stands ! 
But who can tell when breaks the bands ? 
We are in danger surely so, 
Hear it all, both high and low. 

All the slaves are not yet free ; 
Many in the North we see. 
Intemperance, pride, and what else more. 
Tie millions on our blessed shore. 

Let watchmen all on Zion's wall, 
Be faithful to their heavenly call ; 
And live as watchmen ought to live, 
Their people all fair warning give. 

I think if this would soon take place, 
We may look out for better days ; 
The President and Congress too, 
With all in office justly do. 

A happy nation we have been, 
God, of course, much sin has seen ; 
Yet, if we all amend our ways, 
Then we shall soon see better days. 

Union between God and the soul, 
In families, love the hearts control ; 
Churches and nations catch the flame, 
Might soon be one in Jesus' name. 



CENTENNIAL HYMN. 57 

Then no more say Centennial year, 
The great Millennium would appear ; 
Philadelphia then would be to small, 
For us to see God's wonders all. 

God hath a place prepared for that, 
Those eyes that see it shall be glad : 
Wonders which earth could never show, 
After Gabriel did the trumpet blow. 

Then Jesus reigns from shore to shore : 
Then sin and strife will be no more ; 
The cannon's roar shall silenced be, 
All nations then in Christ agree. 

Don't open on the Sabbath day, 
That show of natural things, I say. 
Let God and all the nations know 
That we are more than brutes below. 

Let Jesus and his blessed word 
By foreign nations here be heard. 
When they return, then they can say, 
America keeps the Sabbath-day. 

If we transgress this great command, 
Profane the Sabbath in our land ; 
God's judgment he'll to us reveal. 
If we the Sabbath-day will steal. 

EusEBius Heeshey is my name, 
I seek not here for earthly fame. 
Rebersburg is my address, 
In Christ I seek my happiness. 



68 CENTENNIAL HYMN. 

Centre County now comes in, 
I know I hate the ways of sin. 
Pennsylvania comes below, 
From earth to heaven I hope to go. 



SKETCHES IN POETRY. 



Readers now would like to know 
What texts I generally had, that's so^ 
God helps to give some now to thee, 
Into God's Book I'll point, then see. 

The first I took, was Matthew, five, 
The eighth verse, look out for life : 
The heart that beat& by day and night,. 
Sinners in God find no delight. 

Their hearts are impure, filled with sin,. 
Evil spirits dwell wdtliin. 
If sinners pray, God cleanse my heart. 
Unclean spirits then must depart. 

The love of God then fills the soul, 
Satan doth not now hold control ; 
Jesus now doth reign within, 
The blood of Christ doth cleanse from sin. 

Blessed are such, Christ did say so. 
While they the narrow way do go : 
They see God. Oh, wondrous sight ! 
Such worship him with pure delight. 

Now such must show by word and deed. 
That they are changed in heart, that's sweet. 
The pure in heart will show good fruit, 
A spiritual life is their pursuit. 

59^ 



60 SKETCHES IN POETRY. 

If such till death shall faithful be, 
In heaven they shall their Father see. 
But sinners must from Christ depart 
Who in death have no pure heart. 

The substance of my sermons were 
A change of heart, then honest prayer; 
To God and man must be sincere 
If we would safe in Heaven appear. 

From Genesis to Malachi, 
Good texts I found, I'll tell thee why, 
I found all through the Golden Chain, 
In proper time the Saviour came. 

From Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. John, 
Hark what I say, I'm not yet done. 
The Epistles, Acts, Revelations, too, 
I found good texts, yes, not a few. 

The other text I now shall give, 
Thankful, I hope, some will receive 
The text and substance with the place : 
I spoke for God, He gave me grace.. 

The book of Job there you can read 
The 14th chapter, when yom meet 
The 14th verse, then stop and think 
Of him who speaks with pen and ink. 

In Ohio I that text did seek, 

God helped me to His glory speak : 

I was requested so to do, 

The man's name I might give, too. * 



SKETCHES IN POETRY. 61 

I'll make it brief for fearsome might 
Think the man is puffed with pride. 
All I have God gave to me, 
Why should I then so foolish be ? 

The Scripture tells us man doth die, 
The God who lives and reigns on high, 
p Declared if man will disobey 
He then shall die and pass away. 

^ow death doth reign in every land, 
It breaks the matrimonial band : 
When death doth come the soul must go 
To heaven, or sink to endless woe. 

When Christ shall come the second time, 
The dead shall rise in every clime ; 
The saints have bodies glorified^ 
And with their spirit did unite. 

All sinners for damnatian rise, 
They acted foolish, were not wise. 
Christ, the Saviour, did teach so, 
Eternal life and endless woe. 



For proof do in the Bible look, 
The Gift of God, blessed Book ; 
In it we read of heaven and hell, 
In one of these the dead shall dwell. 

What doth the Infidel here say, 
If man shall die and pass away ; 
He and the beast lie on one heap, 
In death tl^i^y shall forever sleep. 



62 SlKETCHES IN POETRY, 

The Spiritualist doth not say so, 
Adam's God placed man here below. 
Those who die in sin, they say 
Find heaven in working their own way. 

The Universalist then next comes in, 
And says if any die in sin. 
The new birth they don't need at all, 
Christ tasteth death, they say, for all. 

The Christian says a different things 
He did repent and now hates sin ; 
Through grace he strives for holiness, 
In Christ he finds true hapi^iness. 

The Skeptic now deep in the mire 
Of unbelief^ he scorns hell fire. 
The Christian stands firm on his rock, 
Ko skeptic lies can make him shock. 

The heathen Indian feels quite lonely, 
When a brother dies he kills a pony ; 
Tlie pole now with the bridle raise. 
And brings his food to last three days. 

In three days, he thinks the pony run. 
Where Indians live and use the gun : 
He leaves the brother there to fish, 
To hunt and sport — -this is their wish. 



Accept the blessed Saviour now. 
Repent, believCj give God your hearty 
And from your selfish way depart. 



SKETCHES IN POETRY. 63 

If SO you do you'll find a Friend, 
On whom you can for help depend ; 
When death shall close your mortal eyes, 
You'll live with Christ, beyond the skies. 

Oh, what a joy ! Oh, what a bliss ! 

If we shall meet where Jesus is. 

Sorrow and death shall be no more, 

When we have reached that heavenly shore. 

Then with the blessed and heavenly host. 
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost ; 
And live with Christ for evermore. 
And sing at home to die no more. 



A FATHER'S LETTER TO HIS MARRIED 
DAUGHTER. 



A parent's likeness in this letter; 
Some give show, I think 'tis better 
Sound counsel to our children give, 
And holy conduct while we live. 

Here in the room where you did sleep. 
With solemn thoughts and feelings deep, 
To you I write, upon my knees ; 
A father's blessing, — love and peace. 

Jacob and Nancy this is true, 
These lines I send in love to you : 
God strengthens me in mind and hand. 
To write to a united band. 

Deep interest in you both I feel, 
Which I would thus to you reveal, 
I love my Saviour here below, 
But feel my weakness, God doth know. 

In matrimony you are joined, 
I know that God to us is kind. 
Let Jesus Christ dwell in each heart. 
And gladly from all sin depart. 

If so you'll do, you'll lind a Friend, 
On whom you can for help depend, 
In life and death and in that day 
When heaven and earth shall pass away. 
64 



A father's letter. 65 

Our prayers to God shall constant be, 
While we each others' face can't see; 
By night and day we think of you, 
Be to each other always true. 

When we were j^et in number six, 
And sang God's praise, our voice did mix, 
That numbers all we now perceive, 
Nancy did us this morning leave. 

Your father thinks of years now past, 
Perhaps this morning was the last, 
That we on earth your faces see, 
If I die soon, remember me. 

The little stand where leans my head, 
Is wet with tears that I have shed, 
Maj^ many more God give to me. 
To shed for you in sj^mpathy. 

Your welfare lies so near my heart, 
How hard it seems that we must part ; 
How can my heart so soon get cold 
Against the child that left our fold. 

The nineteenth day of August, now, 
This morning, we before God bow ; 
After reading from God's Word, 
Then by prayer approach the Lord. 

And when, as usual, we do sing. 
The praise of our Eternal King, 
Our voices now in number, two ; 
And as we sing we think of you. 



66 A father's letter. 

This day is past, the night has come, 
I'm at the desk in the front room. 
My Saviour hath still help in store, 
Helps me to give a few lines more. 

To-morrow if the Lord says so, 
I'll start for British Ontario, 
I'll visit first the Buckeye State, 
Then from Cleveland, cross the lake. 

While I am yet alive and well, 
I'll go and the blest story tell, 
How Jesus died for all mankind. 

may not one be left behind. 

My object is to glorify 

God while I live before I die, 

I'll speak, sing, pray, and letters write : 

To do God's will is my delight. 

1 now do say to you. Good-night, 
If I shall live till morning light. 
What God will give that will I write 
To you while you are out of sight. 

'Tis August now, the twentieth day. 
The time is passing fast away ; 
God kept us safe throughout the night, 
In family worship we unite. 

Mother is willing I should send 
Some lines from her : O do repent. 
Give God your hearts without delay. 
Oh think of that great judgment day. 



A. father's letter. 67 

Perhaps we'll meet on earth no more, 
We hope then on that heavenly shore, 

yes, to meet in that blessed land, 
And no more take the parting hand. 

Farewell Jacob, and Nancy, too. 
Be always to each other true ; 
Eusebius Hershey and my wife. 
Dear children live a pious life. 

My address I to you now give, 
To write while we and you shall live, 
For though we may be far apart, 
Undying love should fill each heart. 

Eusebius Hershey is my name, 

1 seek not here for earthly fame. 
Rebersburg is my address. 

In Christ I seek my happiness. 

Centre County now comes in, 
I know I hate the ways of sin. 
Pennsylvania comes below. 
From earth to heaven I hope to go. 



ONTARIO LETTER. 



Medina Co., Ohio, 
December Slst, 1873. 
Brother Schantz, may God bless you. 
And your wife, the sister too. 
With your children small and great. 
To serve the Lord early and late. 

The promise I with you did leave, 
That lines from me you should receive. 
The time for writing has now come, 
By God's help I'll have it done. 

Thank God, this morning, I am well, 
But long on earth we cannot dwell, 
I know we're passing fast away, 
This may, indeed, be our last day. 

If so, the will of God be done ; 
I know I'm getting nearer home, 
God's glory I have in my view, 
In all I undertake to do. 

My journey home from you, was safe, 
None of mine were in the grave ; 
They were alive and also well, 
I hope that we in heaven shall dwell. 



ONTARIO LETTER. 

From home, I then to Conference went, 
The Lord His helping hand did lend ; 
We met as brethren, all in peace, 
I hope our actions God did please, 

Ohio and on British soil, 

If God says so, I think to toil; 

To please my Master I intend, 

The brethren gave their full consent. 

Two weeks, to-day, I left my home, 
I left my wife back, not alone, 
Her mother and dear brothers, two : 
From home I have some work to do. 

I pray for them, they pray for me. 
While we each others face can't see; 
God gives us self-denying grace. 
To work for Him in our short days. 

Temptations we do daily meet. 
But 0, the love of God is sweet. 
The devil doth his hook sly hide, 
The bait though sweet we must dislike. 

The enemy he doth well know. 
If v;e our God do serve below, 
With God we shall forever dwell.: 
Himself, by God cast down to hell. 

Then let us serve God night and day, 
To please Him in this narrow way ; 
Thus gaining victory over sin, 
At heaven's door then enter in. 



70 ONTARIO LETTER, 

I hardly know what more to write, 

In my heart there is no spite ; 

Some lines I thought would write from love, 

If God would help me from above. 

He helped me thus far as you see, 
With all true Christians I agree, 
If we love God with all the heart. 
All prejudice must then depart. 

Fifty years I now am old. 

In death my hand may soon be cold, 

Many letters I do write, 

Some by day and some by night. 

The seed which in this way I sow, 
I hope shall for God's glory grow ; 
Some by these letters courage take, 
And everything but God forsake. 

And when you do these lines receive. 
And if it will no brother grieve, 
At some meeting, when you meet 
In public, you each line may read. 

Greet all the brethren dear to me. 
And the sisters, those you see ; 
I wish that all for me should pray, 
That God may keep me in His way. 

The brethren in the ministry. 
Tell them for me should faithful be : 
Work for God, while yet we may ; 
And care not what our enemies say. 



ONTARIO LETTER. 71 



If I no more your face shall see, 
I hope your hand will write to me, 
'T^-ill do me good to hear from you, 
To God and man let us be true. 

If God tells me ten times to come 
On British soil, His will be done. 
Your brother in Christ I do remain, 
EusEBius Hershey is my name. 



A LETTER TO A COUSIN'S FAMILY. 



God help me to do Thy will, 

1 know that Thou art with me still; 
A family letter help to write, 

Bring thoughts for writing to my sight. 

There is a family, Levi Reist, 
Death entered in their house now twist ; 
I'll give in first the man and wife, 
Then the age of each one's life. 

Levi Reist, now fifty-nine, 
His wife, a first cousin of mine, 
Her age now numbers fifty-two, 
Remaining days may be but few. 

Son Henry's age came up to five, 
Then death did end his mortal life ; 
Before he died, kneel down to pray, 
" Father kneel down," the child did say. 

The little preacher passed away. 
Father, did you God's voice obey ? 
Or, must God send a louder call, 
Before you on your knees will fall ? 

The mother said she found God's grace. 
Dear cousin, be faithful all your days, 
I say to you, " Take up your cross. 

All earthly treasures are but dross." 

72 



A LETTER TO A COUSIN's FAMILY. 73 

Your youngest daughter is no more, 
She left so soon this earthly shore, 
Her age was only fifteen years, 
Then God wiped from her eyes all tears. 

My pony carried her some miles, 
I'll see no more her pleasant smiles ; 
Her body now in the cold grave : 
I hope her soul in heaven is safe. 

Two children yet the Lord did leave, 
The death of Annie them did grieve, 
Clara, now twenty-six years old. 
Her form in death may soon be cold. 

Lora, her sister, now twenty-one. 
Physically, she is yet strong, 
Like sister Annie may soon get weak, 
From stronger hands soon help may seek. 

Young sisters, hear what I do say, 
think you're passing fast away, 
Henry and Annie went before. 
They are waiting for you on that shore. 

Levi and Annie, may God bless you. 
You have important work to do, 
Take your dear children by the hand, 
And hasten to that heavenly land. 

O what a joy ! what a bliss ! 
When you shall get where Jesus is. 
Meet Henry and dear Annie there, 
This is my honest wish and prayer. 



74 A LETTER TO A COUSIn's FAMILY. 

This letter now I send to you, 
To God and man, let us be true ; 
Your honest friend I do remain, 
EusEBius Hershey is my name. 



THE FOUR SEASONS. 

WINTER. 

Now with the Winter I'll begin, 
An emblem first who lives in sin ; 
Such hearts are cold as frozen ground, 
When to them comes the gospel sound. 

In sin such are quite cold and dead, 
Though God in mercy them hath fed : 
His goodness they don't seem to feel, 
Their hearts are near as hard as steel. 

But when the Lord from heaven doth shine, 
It warms their hearts as it did mine. 
Tears of sorrow then will flow, 
When such will learn their God to know. 

This winter sin w4th some lasts long. 
Thousands do love a foolish song ; 
But when God their hearts doth change. 
Then they sing different, — how strange T 



SPRING. 

When Spring begins, then birds do sing, 
True pilgrims praise their heavenly king; 
The earth receives a garb quite green: 
The robe of righteousness is seen. 



75. 



76 THE FOUR SEASONS. 

Thus God the earth and man doth change, 
In many points doth nicely range ; 
Man and the earth related are, 
The God who reigns is nigh, not far. 

In these two seasons, God doth show 
That He doth reign in power below ; 
In goodness, God to man doth speak, 
Man on the earth for bread may seek. 

SUMMER. 

In August, on a summer's day, 
When fifty-three I then could say, 
God in His mercy did give me 
Wisdom to write more poetry. 

August is to me quite dear. 
The month when I did first appear, 
A little infant helpless came. 
My father gave to me a name. 

In that month, my second birth 
With me took place, it was no mirth : 
I love each summer month, indeed, 
August above the rest is sweet. 

In the summer, birds do sing. 
And their Maker praises bring ; 
While the lambs do skip and play, 
And some farmers make their hay. 

In that month some sheaves do make. 
And from the wheat, man bread doth bake. 
The summer season rich indeed. 
For man doth grow so many a sweet. 



THE FOUR SEASONS. 77 

The sun then shines so warm and bright, 

It gives to man so long day light ; 

In going out and coming in, 

God gives us light, man should not sin. 

The summer season is not long, 
Man hurries and with work is throng. 
Autumn soon comes rushing in, 
With God we should each work begin. 



AUTUMIsr. 

The Autumn season, when it comes. 
Disturbs the birds with their sw^eet songs 
-The winds are chilly, frost appear, 
It speaks to man in language clear. 

It says to man, look up and see, 
Leaves are falling from the tree ; 
So mortal man, here soon must fall. 
Death soon the stoutest one will call. 

Man's work on earth will then be done, 
Each one must go to their long home; 
Sinners sink to endless night. 
The saints shall shine in glory bright. 



DISTANCE OF MILES. 



In Pennsylvania, also in Iowa, 
Many hundred miles did walk, I say, 
In Kansas arid on British soil, 
Walked many miles, for Christ did toil. 

Over the Alleghanies went 
On foot, for God, I'll not repent ; 
Over these mountains I could walk, 
Young then, but did for Jesus talk. 

Thousands of miles on different lakes. 
On rivers too, in different States, 
On railroads, God knows best, how far 
On horseback, wagon, some grease was tar, 

How many thousands it would count 
In miles, the way I went around ; 
One million may be most too high, 
I'll leave this figure with God lie. 

To young preachers I would say, 
If you are called by God, you may 
Deny yourself, as Christ did do. 
And His example may pursue. 

But you must watch as well as pray, 
Satan has snares along the way. 
If you will play like trifling boys, 

Satan will catch you with those toys. 

78 



DISTANCE OF MILES. 7-9 

You may not live as long as I, 
Myself I know, I soon must die. 
The people to which we do speak, 
Should see we're both humble and meek. 

The miles you travel may not be many, 
Seek not for human praise or penny ; 
But seek in all your God to please. 
Your usefulness will thus increase. 



MY LIKENESS. 



My likeness some would like to see, 
Eead careful all the poetry, 
In righteousness and holiness, 
God made man in his own likeness. 

How far I imitate within 
My Maker who hates every sin, 
I must to those around me give 
Such a photograph does live. 

Those which mortal man can take. 
The outside, that's the body's shape : 
Mine hangs not yet at any wall, 
I never may have such a call. 

My outward likeness I can meet, 
If I look right beneath my feet. 
Each one's body soon must lay, 
In the dust, so God doth say. 

Some dress stylish, very nice, 

And have their likeness taken twice : 

By such the soul neglected is. 

While they not seek for heavenly bliss. 

This subject I will not make long, 
In other matters I am throng ; 
I'll have to hasten to a close, 
The truth so pointed will make foes. 
80 



MY LIKENESS, 81 



Your face I here may never see, 
If you're a Christian, pray for me, 
In grace and knowledge let us grow, 
In piety, our likeness show. 



A VOICE FROM THE DEAD. 



My youthful mates, both small and great, 
Stand here, and you shall see 

An awful sight, which is a tj^pe 
Of what you soon must be. 

I did appear once fresh and fair, 
Among the youthful crowd ; 

But now behold me, dead and cold. 
Wrapped in a sable shroud. 

My cheeks, once red like roses' bloom; 

My sparkling eyes so gay. 
But now I'm going to the tomb, 

A lifeless lump of clay. 

When you are dressed in all your best. 

In fashion so complete. 
You soon must be, as you see me. 

Wrapped in a winding sheet. 

Ah, youth, beware ! and do prepare 
To meet the monster, Death : 

For he may come, while you are young. 
And steal away your breath. 

When you unto your parties go. 

Remember Avhat I say. 
In a short time, though in your prime, 

You may be called away. 

82 



A VOICE FROM THE DEAD. 

Now I am gone, I can't return ; 

Here, me, no more you'll see; 
But this is true, that all of you, 

Must shortly follow me. 

When you unto my grave do go. 
The gloomy place to see ; 

I say to you who stand and see. 
Prepare to follow me. 



FAMILY VISITING. 



In my father's house did start, 
After God did change my heart ; 
There God had a work for me, 
Many thousand famihes since did see. 

Indians, Africans and white, 
I called with such by day and night ; 
A duty God hath joined on me, 
Of which I feel I'm not yet free. 

If I am spared in health, I'll walk 
To many families, pray and talk ; 
And in this way sow some good seed, 
If their attention I shall meet. 

It takes, of course, denying grace. 
To meet some in their trifling ways ; 
To deal with such as God requires, 
To help them from the burning fires. 

Cursing, spitting and the blow, 
They gave to me as I did go ; 
Thank God, they never struck me dead, 
To-day I live and can write yet. 

Five hundred verses and some more ; 
God gave me them, in print shall store ; 
The little book may soon appear, 

Some may say, that's very queer. 

84 



FAMILY VISITING. 85 

Next heading I Conclusion call, 
Then in whose hands this book may fall : 
Then examine your own heart, 
When from reading you depart. 



CONCLUSION. 



Conclusion, the thought how deep, 
Hearts feel solemn, eyes do weep : 
When sinners here their lives shall Close, 
In quiet peace they can't repose. 

But such who close a pious life. 
Are glad to go where is no strife. 
The crown by faith they have in view. 
They gladly bid this world adieu. 

The year in eighteen seventy-seveUj 
The month of May, before eleven. 
Eleven o'clock, now in the night, 
In Philadelphia on my knees I write. 

O God, help me to close with Thee, 
When I commenced Thy hand could see ; 
My small gift I wished to use, 
No human being to abuse. 

If any who these lines do read. 
Think that they do language meet. 
That they can't use in serving God, 
Then let it lay ; but keep God's Word. 

God I gave, and His good book, 

Directed all in it to look ; 

The book in which we clear can learn. 

That we, by sin, are fallen men. 
86 



CONCLUSION. 87 

And learn how we may get to heaven, 
And have our sins here all forgiven ; 
Can walk with God as Enoch did, 
Till we this mortal life shall quit. 

Some one might say I have not told 
To what sect or church I hold. 
Now listen sharp, I'll not tell t\vice, 
I'm a preacher in the Church of Christ. 

brethren in the ministry, 
A cross before me I did see, 
To put to print a little book. 
Many sharp eyes will in it look. 

To be ashamed, the devil said, 
Poverty in my way was laid ; 
By faith I took hold of the pen, 
Pray for me ye well-learned men. 

Many of you I would like to see. 
And if with me you can't agree : 
In outward points might differ some, 
If true to God, Christ says, " Well done." 

Did I indeed. Conclusion write. 
Fourteenth of May, it is now night, 
My heart feels solemn, eyes feel tears. 
The day of judgment soon appears. 

There I to God account must give, 
How I did here in body live, 
And hear Him say, Depart to hell. 
Or, Come with me in glory dwell. 



»» CONCLUSION. 

I'll now commit to God this book, 
May He bless all who in it look ; 
Incline their hearts to do what's right, 
To God and man, by day and night. 

May I have grace to do the same, 
And still go forth in Jesus' name, 
Then when my work on earth is done, 
May I in heaven find a sweet home. 

There where all tears are wiped away, 
I hope to live in endless day, 
With angels praise the Triune One, 
The Father, Spirit and the Son. — Amen. 



;THE END.= 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



IH 



018 597 627 



